2026 Miracle Child – Jordyn
Written by her mom, Michelle
Jordyn's story began at our 20-week ultrasound—a milestone moment we had eagerly anticipated. We were thrilled to find out the gender and see our baby on the screen. But our joy quickly turned to fear when doctors discovered something unexpected: our baby had Gastroschisis, a rare birth defect where the intestines develop outside the body through a hole near the belly button.
We were immediately referred to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, where we would spend the remainder of the pregnancy closely monitored by specialists. Each visit was filled with uncertainty, but also education and support. We learned what to expect, how to prepare, and most importantly, how to advocate for our daughter.
On November 9, 2021, Jordyn was born at just 35 weeks. She was small but strong—and less than 24 hours old when she underwent her first surgery. Though her bowels initially appeared healthy, doctors found multiple atresias—blockages and narrowings in her intestines. Due to the extent of her condition, the pediatric surgeon prepared us for a long road ahead: three months in the NICU and several surgeries.
At only 7 days old, Jordyn went back into the operating room. It was during this second surgery that Dr. Karen Speck performed what truly felt like a miracle. In a rare outcome seen in only 10% of Gastroschisis cases, Dr. Speck was able to repair everything in a single surgery. Against the odds, Jordyn recovered beautifully. She grew into a happy, thriving little girl—our miracle child.
But Jordyn's journey wasn’t over.
On the night of May 4, 2025, Jordyn suddenly complained of a stomachache. We didn’t think much of it at first, but later that night, she woke up screaming in pain, unable to get comfortable. We rushed her to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at UM Health-Sparrow, where her history of Gastroschisis led to an immediate CT scan. Though the scan showed something abnormal behind her small bowel, it wasn’t fully clear what we were dealing with.
By a stroke of divine timing, Dr. Speck, the same surgeon who had saved her as a newborn, happened to be on rotation at Sparrow. While tests were still being run, Jordyn’s condition rapidly declined. The pain became unbearable. Dr. Speck made the call for emergency exploratory surgery.
During surgery, they discovered a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, and a kink in her small intestine. Jordyn was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and placed on a ventilator. For six agonizing days, we watched her fight, surrounded by machines and the unwavering care of the medical team.
After 10 days in the PICU, Jordyn was finally stable enough to move to the pediatric floor. Slowly, she began tolerating liquids. With each small milestone, we grew more hopeful. And after three long weeks, we were finally able to take our girl home.
Through every twist and turn, every surgery and setback, the care we received at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at UM Health-Sparrow was nothing short of exceptional. The doctors and nurses treated Jordyn—and us—with compassion, expertise, and grace.
Jordyn has endured more than most children ever will. But she continues to amaze us with her strength, resilience, and joy. She is, and always will be, our miracle.